Programs

Physics of the Cosmos

Our quest to understand how the universe works starts with the study of the very basic building blocks of our existence - matter, energy, space, and time - and how they behave under the extreme physical conditions that characterize the infant and evolving Universe. The Physics of the Cosmos (PCOS) program incorporates cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and fundamental physics projects aimed at addressing directly central questions about the nature of complex astrophysical phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, dark energy, and gravitational waves. By utilizing a fleet of space-based missions operating across the whole electromagnetic spectrum, PCOS ultimate, overarching goal is to learn about the origin and ultimate destiny of the cosmos.